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#1
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w123 front suspension: what is this part and do I need to replace?
I've been having what feels like an unbalanced wheel on what feels like the front left on my 1985 w123 300td wagon. It only shows up above 50mph and seems to lessen around 75mph. I bought new tires and no change. I decided to replace the front shocks and in doing so noticed what I think might be a worn part that needs replacing (centered in attached pic). What is this part called? I see shiny metal where the rubber has ripped and I am assuming this is not good? Could this be causing my problem?
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#2
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Ball joint, needs to be replaced. You probably need to replace both the upper and lower on both sides.
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#3
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X2
Your picture is of the lower control arm ball joint, MB Part number 1163330927. Right upper control arm, MB Part number 1233304707. Left upper control arm MB, Part number 123304607. MB suspension parts are pricey. Before ordering any parts (avoid URO, BTW), it may be worthwhile to have the front suspension inspected by a trustworthy mechanic or alignment shop that has had experience with W123s. This way you have a complete idea of what is needed to bring your front suspension up to a safe condition for the minimum outlay. You don't want to replace a part, go in for the alignment afterwards and find out the alignment can't be done because of other worn parts that must be replaced.
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78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014 79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022 |
#4
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I agree with both posts.
But its unlikely causing the vibration. I recommend you pull the rotors, clean out the grease, replace the inner and outer wheel bearings, and grease seals. Also, a dragging caliper can cause it. Inspect for signs of heat...
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#5
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agree with all three posts...
the worn tie rod ends will not technically cause a vibration... but will allow a little one to really be felt...
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1980 240d , chain elongation, cam marks reference: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html evap fin cleaning: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator A/C thread http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html |
#6
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Oh... fyi... setting endplay on new bearings is a task that needs a VERY experienced hand, or a dial indicator and base...
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!! 1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere! |
#7
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Does his car have ' crush ' rings on the front wheels ?
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1980 240d , chain elongation, cam marks reference: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414 http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html evap fin cleaning: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator A/C thread http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html |
#8
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Haven`t heard of a Crush Ring for the front wheel on a W123, What is it?
The rear wheel bearings have a crush seal or washer.
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there were three HP ratings on the OM616... 1) Not much power 2) Even less power 3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast. 80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works Last edited by charmalu; 09-04-2016 at 10:04 PM. |
#9
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I recently did the front suspension on 2 SDs. Both cars, one of the bolts the hold the UCA and the LCA to the body would not come out. The final solution was to use a sawzall to cut through the bolt. It was easy once the decision was made and new blades were purchased.
I also decided to change every thing except the tierods and drag links which were almost new and easy enough to change and don't require the spring to be out. Both cars drive wonderfully. Lemforder has been frequently recommended but aren't always available. Take your cances if you don't want to spring for OE parts. I don't have enough mileage to say how long the repair will last but the car is enjoyable again.
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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do. |
#10
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My ball joints looked exactly the same as yours and they had big time play in them, so I decided to replace them. Upon expecting the front end, I noticed that every part was basically worn out. So I ordered everything, lower ball joints, upper control arms with ball joints already installed, tie rods, drag link, guide rods, control arm bushings, and idler arm bushing, all Lemforder. I basically spent close to $550 in parts alone. If i only had the ball joints replaced at a reputable independent MB mechanic, it was in the neighborhood of around $400. I couldn't imagine what the cost would be if the front end was totally rebuilt at the same shop. The hardest part of labor for the front end was removing and installing the front coil springs. Everything else was easy. I did bring the the old lower ball joints and control arms to the MB shop to have them press out the old ball joints and install the new ones, cost $40, money well spent. Once everything was put back together, I had a wheel alignment done and everything is so much better!!!
My front end is so much tighter, especially when the suspension is articulating, in turns and when going over bumps. I highly recommend getting your front end rebuilt, whether you do it yourself or at a shop, and use either MB parts or Lemforder, and you will be set!!! |
#11
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Quote:
(But for the case of this thread I'd be looking at the knackered ball joint first)
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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver 1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone 1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy! 1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits! |
#12
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It has been 15 years since I had my wagon.... I just remember messing up the first adjustment and being glad I bought two spare crush rings...
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1980 240d , chain elongation, cam marks reference: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414 http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html evap fin cleaning: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator A/C thread http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html |
#13
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No way to tell if the ball joint is worn from the photo in post 1. Rubber boots often slide up like that when the front wheel is hanging. Typically, loose ball joints cause a "cupping" wear of the tires (Google Images).
You need to use a pry bar to see if there is any noticeable play in it. If you see the boot torn, replace it since required to keep water and dirt out. Also squirt in new grease. If no fitting for that, there are syringes for a lube gun. To replace the boot, you must pull the b.j. stud out of the spindle. I used a pickle fork - had to buy one w/ narrower opening ($10 O'Reilly's) and cut the tips off so they didn't bottom out on the spindle behind it. A re-boot (polyurethane is best) is much simpler than replacing the ball joint (many posts).
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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's 1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport 1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans |
#14
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Quote:
...unfortunately in my experience a broken boot does indeed mean nadgered ball joint but like you say checking is always worth while
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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver 1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone 1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy! 1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits! |
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